Information for Parents and Carers

Once a referral is made we will confirm by telephone our intention to follow this up and a timescale for possible placement. This will be followed up in writing. Senior Teaseldown School staff will visit the family and student to discuss the possible placement. If the referral is considered appropriate and places are available the Local Authority will be notified by telephone within 24 hours and in writing within 3 days. When the placement is agreed by the Local Authority plans can be made for induction and admission to Teaseldown or for our Outreach Service. The student and his or her parents or carers will be invited into the school for a first visit and the beginning of the baseline assessment. The timescales and initial timetable will be confirmed in writing with parents / carers and students, this first having been agreed by the Local Authority. At the end of the first four weeks there will be a meeting which must be attended by parents / carers, students and the Local Authority to confirm placement or extend the trial period. If the placement is not felt appropriate this meeting will discuss this further.

Teaseldown School offers a wide curriculum in line with student’s needs, abilities and interests. All students are taught to an individual plan which is highly differentiated in each subject to their needs and capabilities. Where a student is struggling with one subject that subject may be dropped for a time with the agreement of students, parents / carers and the referring body. In Key Stage 3 (school years 7-9) students follow the National Curriculum in English, Maths, Science, Art, Geography, and History. Students are also required to follow courses in Citizenship and PSHE which are structured as part of the therapeutic input and deal with issues in the news as well as self-esteem, self-help, self-awareness and health. All students take part in ICT lessons and use ICT across the curriculum. All teaching areas are equipped with white boards and computers. Students also take part in PE and outdoor activities to their ability and the availability of local resources. If students are able at the end of Key Stage 3 they are entered for Entry Level Certificates in all subjects before going on to study for GCSE’s in Key Stage 4. In Key Stage 4 (school years 10 and 11) students will either continue to work towards Entry Level Certificates or towards GCSE’s. For students who find English too difficult due to their special educational needs and diagnosed conditions, Media Studies may be offered as an alternative to English GCSE. All students complete baseline and ongoing assessments to measure their progress and report this back to parents / carers and the referring agencies.

Family involvement is crucial for the approach used at Teaseldown School to work effectively. The school will communicate with parents /carers daily in some cases, especially when there is rapid progress, a student is anxious or upset, a student is experiencing difficulties at home or school or there are meetings and appointments to attend. A formal visit to a student’s home will happen approximately once a month when progress, difficulties or any other information can be shared and discussed. An Individual Education Plan and Therapeutic Plan will be produced termly, although occasionally these are hardly changed or changes are made more regularly according to needs and progress made. These will be sent to the family and will be discussed at the next home visit or before if necessary. School reports are sent home at the end of every term and parents / carers and students are asked to respond to these with any concerns or comments they have about the student, the school or the service offered. Annual Review Meetings to discuss the student’s Statement of Special Educational Needs are held at least annually at school and parents / carers are expected to attend. Other professionals involved in the student’s provision are also invited. Students and parents are asked to provide their written feedback before the meeting so this can be shared with other professionals. During the induction and baseline assessment stages parents and carers will be more heavily involved in any planning for placement at the school and much of the assessment and preparation will take place in the home. Parents are asked to be as frank as possible about the student’s background and attitudes. We are rarely shocked and will be totally non-judgemental. All information shared will be stored sensitively and kept confidential outside of the Teaseldown School staff group.

Promoting Positive Behaviour The ethos of the school is based on the expectation that all members of the community will treat each other with consideration and respect. We actively promote courteous and positive behaviour and while we expect good manners, we do not demand excessive formality. The ethos of the school emphasises the importance of independence and self-discipline. Staff encourage children to focus on their own improvement through guidance from their teachers/tutors and in line with the individual targets set for them. Consequently the school does not quantify achievement by merit or any other type of mark as this can encourage children to compare themselves negatively with their peers. Dealing with inappropriate behaviour In dealing with this behaviour it essential that vulnerable children are recognised. The type of behaviour should be identified and whether or not the behaviour is an isolated incident or a persistent problem. Assessment of links to diagnosed functional or psychological difficulties will be undertaken.

Teaseldown School will endeavour to make any necessary arrangements for access for all staff, pupils and visitors with special needs. All students have Statements of Special Educational Needs and these will be paramount in our planning and provision. Any special arrangement due to disability will be discussed on our initial visit to your home as will any special arrangements to meet the needs of students whose first language is not English.

At Teaseldown School we believe that two heads are better than one. We have a range of experience in our staff team and are keen to liaise with any other professional involved in your child’s provision including, Child and Adolescent Mental Health professionals, doctors, social workers, past teachers or tutors, Connexions Advisors or any other professional who may be involved. We will also help you to identify any professionals who should be involved and work together to access the support you may need. Our aim is to work through any problems or difficulties in a holistic manner, allowing children to grow into young adults who are aware of their conditions and difficulties, and who are able to work with professionals in a helpful non-confrontational manner to achieve the best outcomes possible. We are happy to hear from any professionals who are involved with your child at any time and encourage students to keep diaries and communicate themselves to best address any issues that may arise out of their special needs or conditions.

Teaseldown School offers an Outreach Service for students who are not to be referred to the school or for whom a school placement is not yet thought appropriate. This service includes direct teaching, work with parents / carers / families and other professionals involved with the young person’s provision. It can also include therapeutic input as a tool to support the young people and families through a difficult period. This service can be aimed at gaining a place or supporting the student into a place at another school, preparing students for public examinations (either at another school or by registering with Teaseldown School to sit examinations). It can also be used to help transitions from one school to another, to manage transitions across school phases or transitions from school to college or supported work placement. This service is available to young people of all ages and can be accessed through contact with the appropriate Local Authority who can request such a service.

All students will undergo a period of outreach support and baseline assessment during the four weeks before their full placement at the school. A continuing offer of placement will be made at the end of this placement where it is felt the student is appropriately placed at the school. Some of the assessment may be made in the school and some will involve discussions with family and the student themselves. Students undergoing the baseline assessment period may have up to 5 half days of input from school staff and will be able to build relationships with staff and other students during this time. It is expected at the end of this period that students will attend the school for at least 5 half days, extending to full time as soon as the student is able. The aim for full time placement is within the first term, although this does occasionally take longer or indeed the student may be in school full time from the beginning of their placement.

Students travel to Teaseldown School in transport arranged by their Local Education Authority. We work closely with the taxi firms and drivers but we do encourage parents / carers to ensure they know the telephone numbers of the companies involved and maintain contact with them especially in the case of concerns and absences.

All students at Teaseldown School will become involved with outside activities including sporting activities, social activities and educational visits. These are usually scheduled in school time and the cost is usually covered by the school. Students are expected to behave appropriately when outside of school and will not be allowed on future visits if they are not properly behaved. Activities include swimming, rounders, short tennis, table tennis, walking, fishing, farm visits, museums and galleries. We are currently investigating the possibility of a link with a local sailing club.

Teaseldown is situated in a quiet village with few facilities. It is recommended that students bring their own packed lunch as there will be nowhere to buy food during the day. Alternatively, at a cost of £10 per week or £2 per day we will provide hot and cold meals (often cooked by the students themselves as part of the curriculum) at lunchtime (for example sandwiches or pasta) and toast at breakfast. We keep a supply of sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee in the school and are happy to supply these as governed appropriate by staff. If you or your child would prefer to bring food in for cooking, this is not a problem as long as it can be cooked during the agreed breaks. Sweets / cakes / fizzy drinks or energy drinks are not allowed at school. As some of our students have conditions which means that these things affect them badly we work on the basis that they are not allowed for anybody.

Further information regarding • school curriculum, • policies on bullying, child protection, Health and Safety, behaviour and sanctions • academic performance from the previous year • complaints policy and process • number and details of staff employed and their qualifications (including temporary staff) are available from the school on request.